Two workers died after an under construction Bailey bridge across the Thuli Bheri river in Tallubagar of Jajarkot district collapsed on Thursday. The incident happened when a crane was passing through the under construction bridge along the Jajarkot-Dolpa road section.

According to the District Police Office in Jajarkot, the bridge connecting Tallubagar of Nalgad Municipality in Jajarkot and Aathbiskot of Rukum (West) district, collapsed, killing two workers and injuring seven others. Three injured are reportedly in critical condition.

Police identified the deceased as Dharmendra Gautam and Purushottam Gautam, both aged 40, of Bahraich district, India. The six injured workers are also Indian nationals.

The critically injured workers were taken to Nepalgunj for treatment, Deputy Superintendent of Police in Rukum (West) Nawaraj Bhattarai told the Post.

Police suspect the bridge collapsed as it could not bear the load of a crane. Detailed investigation into the incident is underway, said police.

According to Aashutosh Karna, chief at the Division Road Office in Chaurjahari, Himshikhar-Khadka-Krishna JV has been constructing the 120 metres long bridge at the cost of Rs 38.4 million. "The incident happened when the bridge construction work was at its final stage. A detailed study will be conducted about the bridge collapse," said Karna.

Harihar Singh Rathour contributed reporting.